Kenya has moved to clarify its nomination of a Consul-General to Goma after the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) raised concerns over the posting.
In a statement issued on Monday, August 18, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi said the appointment is still subject to parliamentary approval in Nairobi and formal acceptance by Kinshasa.
Mudavadi emphasised that a presidential nomination does not amount to a diplomatic posting until the constitutional process is complete. He explained that, under Kenyan law, nominees must first be vetted and approved by Parliament before the government formally seeks agrément — acceptance — from host states.
“In the case of Goma, the process would further require the DRC to issue an Exequatur, or authorisation, before Kenya’s Consul-General can assume duties,” Mudavadi said.
He cited Article 132(2) of the Constitution, which empowers the President to nominate, with parliamentary approval, and appoint ambassadors, high commissioners, and consular representatives, as well as dismiss them. He confirmed that President William Ruto has already submitted the nominations to the National Assembly for vetting in line with the law.
“This is the transparent, meticulous, and democratic process that Kenya has consistently adhered to in full conformity with our Constitution, diplomatic practice, and international norms,” Mudavadi said.
The PCS stressed that Kenya’s ongoing realignment of its foreign service is aimed at enhancing performance and service delivery under the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), not interfering in regional politics or undermining the sovereignty of the DRC.
He revealed that he had spoken to his Congolese counterpart, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, to clarify Kenya’s position, reaffirming the strong ties between the two nations that date back to 1963.
Kenya inaugurated its Consulate in Goma in 2022, while the DRC opened a consulate in Mombasa in 2023. Mudavadi reiterated that Kenya remains committed to deepening cooperation with the DRC in trade, regional integration, and peace efforts, including its co-chair role in the ongoing EAC-SADC-AU peace initiatives.
“Kenya remains firmly committed to the peace initiatives in the DRC, including the joint EAC-SADC-AU initiative, where we serve as co-chair,” he said.